CHRIS HUMPHREY is tempted to start humming the Champions League tune – but every time the alarm bells ringing in his ears would drown it out.

The Motherwell wide boy believes anything other than a third-place finish would be a failure after the season the Steelmen have enjoyed.

They are so close to booking that place at Europe’s elite top table – but Humphrey knows Well still need to earn it.

And without even a point from either half of the Old Firm to their name in six games, he knows this afternoon against Celtic would be a good place to start if Motherwell are looking for validation.

What was an 11-point gap over their nearest rivals a month ago is now down to three with five games left.

And the 24-year-old admitted: “The players and manager would feel let down if we finished fourth now.

“After all the hard work and the way we’ve played this season, it would count for nothing if we didn’t qualify for the Champions League.

“Okay, we would still be in the Europa League if we finished fourth.

“But in my eyes, that would be an underachievement. We’ve been here for so long now and if we threw it away it would be so disappointing.

“We were so many points clear and everyone was saying ‘You’ll definitely get third, you need to be looking at second’.

“It would be unfair to say we’ve been complacent though. We’ve had a couple of draws when we needed wins.

“Dundee United, Hearts and St Johnstone have been flying and either drawing with or beating Rangers – that’s something we haven’t managed.

“We haven’t had a result against Celtic or Rangers yet.

“It would be good to do so after the split – even gaining a point against the Old Firm would give us great confidence.”

Earning a Champions League qualifier is a huge incentive.

Playing on such a major stage had always been a pipe dream for Chris and his club. He said: “When I signed in 2009, Well were already in the Europa League.

“It was a big thing for me, knowing I would get at least one game in Europe.

“Then we got in Europe again the next season – but I never thought we could make it to the Champions League.

“It was the same when I was down south. I never thought I’d get near the Champions League because that’s only for the top four clubs in the Premiership.

“But now the chance has come to actually get there – it’s a massive thing, absolutely phenomenal.

“My mates are already buzzing down south, saying they’ll be wanting tickets! But I can’t allow myself to dream about hearing that music yet.

“There’s no point getting excited about something until you have it in your hands.

“That’s why it is important we’re nailed down for these last few weeks.”

Humphrey has more incentive than most to perform in the final five matches.

The winger has only recently reclaimed his starting place after a run of 13 straight appearances from the bench.

And with international action beckoning with Jamaica in the summer, he wants a big finish. He said: “I’m pleased to be playing my part now.

“As a professional it’s hard when you’re not playing. But you must make sure your head is right and you haven’t switched off when the gaffer does call on you.

“You must be ready to go, whether it’s for five minutes or 30.

“If you play poorly, you get dropped. That’s football. I went through a bit of a rough patch and rightly got dropped.

“The people who came in played well and you can’t argue with that if they do the business in your place.”

Humphrey’s form has been outstanding since his return though, and he’s hoping it’s enough to earn him a call-up for a summer of action in the Caribbean.

The Reggae Boyz have five matches, including World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala at home and Antigua away. Chris said: “It would be the perfect end to the season.

“I was called up at the end of last season but didn’t have a Jamaican passport at the time. My mum Verna went over and sorted that for me because I couldn’t get time off to do it myself. All I have to do is sign one thing when I get there.

“It could make it a busy summer – the last game is on June 12.

“I’ll just have to deal with it, speak to the gaffer and see what he wants me to do – especially if we get to the Euro qualifiers.

“But if I’m going to sacrifice a longer break for something, then international and Champions League football would be it!”

Humphrey was in line for a Scotland call at one point, but laughed: “I think Kenny Black has finally given up asking me!

“Playing for Jamaica will mean a lot to my mum. I was born there and lived there for five years before moving to England so I have vague memories of it.

“I haven’t been back since but I do still have family there, aunts and uncles.

“I always wanted to play for England. That was my dream but I realised that would never happen.

“Anyone would be happy to get a cap. But having been born in Jamaica it really does means something.”